Chapter 202
Serena’s pink bunny-eared sweatshirt bobbed as she chased her kite, a blur of pink and frantic energy. She’d been begging Paisley for more bunny outfits – in every color imaginable. Then, whoosh! Down she went, tripping over her own feet in a tangle of limbs and flying fabric.
The soft grass cushioned her fall, but a dilemma unfolded in her mind: brave self-rescue or adorable victimhood? Max and Maria would praise her independence, but a strategically-timed pout might yield a delicious treat.
Before she could decide, strong arms lifted her. Her eyes, wide and round, snapped open in surprise. It wasn't Max or Maria. It was Dominick, and he looked…stern. He was handsome, too, she grudgingly admitted.
Dominick's brow furrowed. "Why were you running so fast? Did you hurt yourself?"
Serena’s lower lip trembled. She didn’t want to act cute with him.
"Where's your mother? Why was she letting you run around alone?" Dominick scolded, his voice sharp.
Max arrived, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Serena in Dominick's arms, tears welling. Dominick instinctively shielded Serena, his gaze cold as he sized up the newcomer.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
"I should be asking you that," Max retorted, "Why are you holding someone else's child?"
Dominick's voice wavered slightly. "Is this… your child?"
"Why else would I be here?" Max reached for Serena. "Rena, come here."
Serena wriggled, eager to escape Dominick's grasp. Seeing her clear familiarity with Max, Dominick finally released her.
Max examined Serena’s tear-streaked face. "Rena, do you know him?"
Serena nodded. "Yeah, he's Grayson's dad. He's scary!"
Max spotted a young boy and woman in the distance. He relaxed, giving Dominick a curt nod. "Thank you. I won't interrupt your family time."
He scooped Serena into his arms, his voice softening. "Did it hurt? Still want to fly the kite? Fancy a treat?"
Paisley's nanny appeared, taking the kite. Dominick watched as Max, Serena, and the nanny left, their cars and bodyguards a stark contrast to the carefree kite-flying moments just past. Grayson toddled towards his father, his gaze following Serena's disappearing form. "Is that man Rena's dad?" he asked.